JF SME Testing (formerly JF Strainstall), part of James Fisher and Sons plc, provided a rapid response to sudden transport infrastructure closure by installing its state-of-the-art structural monitoring system, BridgeWatch™, onto the Forth Road Bridge in record time.

An essential transport link between Edinburgh and Fife, the Forth Road Bridge was closed to all traffic at midnight on 3 December 2015 after a crack was discovered in a truss under the carriageway, resulting in long delays as the holiday season approached.

JF SME Testing immediately mobilised a dedicated team of specialist engineers, who had been working close by on the Queensferry Crossing. Together with additional personnel, the team worked around the clock to provide specialist expertise and deploy the innovative BridgeWatch™ structural health monitoring system – a first for the Forth Road Bridge. By rapidly installing a number of sensors in record time, including strain, temperature and tilt, the system delivered crucial monitoring and engineering information to support bridge operator Amey’s planned testing schedule and help ensure the bridge was reopened without delay.

Testing was completed on Saturday over five hours, with the BridgeWatch™ system providing real-time information on the effects of wind and traffic loading on the integrity of the structure. This data, provided to the bridge’s control room, supported the decision to open the bridge almost two weeks earlier than officials had originally stated.

Mark Arndt, Chartered Engineer and Amey’s Account Director for the Forth Road Bridge said:

BridgeWatch® makes critical structure monitoring affordable